Baltimore acquired kicker Mike Wood from San Diego on August…
Baltimore acquired kicker Mike Wood from San Diego on August 31, 1981 for a 1983 sixth-round pick. Wood handled the Colts' kicking job for all 16 games in 1981 and six more in 1982. The Chargers used No. 141 in 1983 on receiver Trumaine Johnson, who later played two seasons for San Diego and caught 34 passes for 450 yards and two touchdowns. Both received value, with the Chargers holding the edge.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Mike Wood (Stephen)
Los Angeles Chargers Received
- pick 1983 sixth round pick (#141-Trumaine Johnson (b. 1960-01-16))
Trade Analysis
Why Baltimore Added Mike Wood
The Colts needed a kicker and acquired Wood at the end of the 1981 preseason. He immediately handled the job for all 16 games, making 10 of 18 field goals and 29 of 33 extra points. He returned for six games in the strike-shortened 1982 season and made six of 10 field-goal attempts.
What San Diego Received
The Chargers accepted a future sixth-round selection rather than keeping Wood. That pick became No. 141 in the 1983 draft, used on Grambling wide receiver Trumaine Johnson. His path to the Chargers lineup was delayed, so this was not an immediate return.
How Johnson Eventually Helped
Johnson appeared in 11 games for San Diego in 1985 and all 16 in 1986. Across those two seasons he caught 34 passes for 450 yards and two touchdowns. His 1986 season was the stronger one, with 30 receptions for 399 yards, giving the Chargers meaningful production from a sixth-round asset.
Why This Is Closer Than the Verdict Suggests
Baltimore did not lose the trade badly. Wood filled a real need for more than a full season and was the team's regular kicker in 1981. The Chargers simply extracted more future upside from the pick by landing a receiver who eventually contributed across two seasons.
Final Verdict
San Diego earns a B+ and Baltimore a B-. Wood provided immediate specialist value, while Johnson delivered a later two-year receiving contribution. Both teams received usable players, but converting a traded kicker into a sixth-round receiver with several hundred yards of offense gives the Chargers the stronger overall return.